5 Quick and Easy Protein-Packed Snacks

Protein is the building block of the musculoskeletal system and is essential for optimal training recovery and promotion of lean muscle mass. Most people who are engaged in strength training or high-intensity exercise will have increased needs for protein, but it can often become a chore to try and get the protein you need since we are typically busy with our daily lives that our nutrition can easily get put on the back burner. Here are five protein-packed snacks that you can easily take with you on the go so that you can meet your protein requirements and not waste an extra minute of your precious time.

1. Beef Jerky

This is one of the best quick snacks to meet your protein requirements. Packed with protein, beef jerky is easy, affordable and convenient. Just be sure to choose the low-sodium variety to avoid the bloat from all the salt that some brands pack in.

2. Almonds

The protein king of nuts, almond packs are a whopping 21g of protein per 500 calories. Almonds are versatile and can be used as a grab-and-go standalone snack or can be ground up and used to bake with. Try using ground almond or almond flour as a substitute for bleached flour and combine it with your favorite protein powder to make an awesome protein cookie recipe that can be frozen and stored for easy and convenient snacks throughout the week.

3. Low-Fat String Cheese

You ate it as a kid and for good reason – string cheese is a portable protein packed food that is a convenient grab and go snack for anyone at just about any time. Combine it with an apple or your favorite fruit and you have a healthy balanced snack for any time of the day.

4. Edamame

Simple, delicious, micronutrient-rich and vegetarian-friendly, edamame is a high-quality plant-based protein that packs a serious protein punch and can be taken anywhere at nearly anytime with minimal storage necessities. Edamame is a soy-based protein and you may have heard the myth that soy can raise estrogen levels due to phytoestrogen in soy, but this is not scientifically proven and if this was true there would be quite a lot of men in Asia wearing bras.

5. Quest Bar

Any protein bar will do but quest is a personal favorite. Quest bars are low-glycemic index, low net carb protein bars that are macro friendly for all and pack a whopping 21 calories for just around 200 calories. There are many delicious types of quest bars and they are extremely versatile and can be used to bake with as well.